Captured image display device and captured image display method

ABSTRACT

A photographed image display device ( 200 ) includes an LCD module ( 230 ). The LCD module ( 230 ) includes a graphic memory ( 231 ) operable to store image data and an LCD ( 232 ) operable to display an image based on the image data stored in the graphic memory. The photographed image display device ( 200 ) includes a photographing unit ( 210 ) operable to output image data of an object sequentially, and a storing unit ( 260 ) operable to store image data. Here, the sequentially output image data is transferred to the graphic memory ( 231 ). When receiving a storage instruction for the image data, the photographed image display device ( 200 ) judges whether the transfer of the image data to the graphic memory ( 231 ) has been completed. When the transfer has been completed, the photographed image display device ( 200 ) reads the image data from the graphic memory ( 231 ) and store the read image data to the storing unit ( 260 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a photographed image display device anda photographed image display method which are used, for example, indigital cameras and mobile telephones with an image display function.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, various types of photographed image display devicesusing a semiconductor photodetector such as a Charge Coupled Device(CCD) for converting light into electrical signals have rapidly becomewidespread. Such photographed image display devices include digitalcameras, and mobile communications terminals such as mobile telephonesand Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) equipped with a digital camera.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exampleconstruction of a conventional photographed image display device 100.

The photographed image display device 100 is constituted by a cameraunit 110, a frame memory 120, a liquid crystal display (LCD) module 130,a CPU 140, an operation unit 150, a storage unit 160, and an ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 170.

The camera unit 110 photographs an object, and sequentially outputsimage data obtained by the photographing (hereinafter referred to asphotographed image data) to the ASIC 170.

Here, “to photograph an object” represents a process of forming an imageof the object on the light-receiving surface of a semiconductorphotodetector through a lens of a camera and converting the formed imageinto image data.

The frame memory 120 temporarily stores photographed image datatransferred from the ASIC 170.

The LCD module 130 includes a graphic Random Access Memory (GRAM) 131,and an LCD 132. Photographed image data input to the LCD module 130 fromthe ASIC 170 is displayed on the LCD 132.

The GRAM 131 temporarily stores photographed image data input from theASIC 170.

The LCD 132 displays the photographed image data.

The CPU 140 receives a user's instruction input through the operationunit 150, and issues an instruction corresponding to the user'sinstruction to an appropriate constituent. For example, when receiving aphotographing start instruction from a user, the CPU 140 instructs theASIC 170 to execute a photographing operation. When receiving aphotographed image storage instruction, the CPU 140 reads thephotographed image data stored in the frame memory 120, and stores thephotographed image data in the storage unit 160.

The operation unit 150 generates a corresponding instruction signal,when receiving the user's instruction, and outputs the generatedinstruction signal to the CPU 140.

The storage unit 160 stores photographed image data input by the CPU140.

The ASIC 170 controls the photographing operation in the followingmanner. When the CPU 140 instructs the ASIC 170 to execute thephotographing operation, the ASIC 170 receives photographed image dataoutput from the camera unit 110. The ASIC 170 performs image processing(e.g. color correction) on the photographed image data, and thentransfers the photographed image data to the frame memory 120.Furthermore, the ASIC 170 reads the photographed image data from theframe memory 120 to output the photographed image data to the LCD module130.

Thus, the user of this photographed image display device 100 canphotograph an image of a desired object, and store the photographedimage.

As described above, the conventional photographed image display device100 requires the frame memory 120 as a buffer memory, to enablephotographed image data to be retrieved as needed in response to thephotographed image storage instruction from the user.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, miniaturization and cost reduction have been rapidly proceedingin the technical field of mobile communications terminals such as mobiletelephones. This has created a demand for further miniaturization andcost reduction by discarding a frame memory.

To satisfy this demand, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a photographed image display device and a photographed imagedisplay method which have a simpler structure than in the related art,and does not require a frame memory.

The object can be achieved by a photographed image display deviceincluding: an LCD module including a graphic memory operable to storeimage data and an LCD operable to display an image based on the imagedata stored in the graphic memory; a camera operable to form an opticalimage of an object, convert the formed optical image into image data,and output the image data sequentially; a transfer unit operable toreceive the image data output from the camera and transfer the imagedata to the graphic memory; a storage medium operable to store imagedata; a storage instruction receiving unit operable to receive a storageinstruction to store the image data into the storage medium; a judgingunit operable to judge whether the transfer of the image data from thetransfer unit to the graphic memory has been completed; and a storingunit operable to, when the transfer has been completed, read the imagedata from the graphic memory according to the storage instruction, andstore the read image data into the storage medium.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a photographed imagedisplay method for a photographed image display device including (i) anLCD module including a graphic memory for storing image data and an LCDfor displaying an image based on the image data stored in the graphicmemory and (ii) a storage medium for storing image data. Thephotographed image display method includes: a photographing step offorming an optical image of an object, converting the formed opticalimage into image data, and outputting the image data sequentially; atransfer step of receiving the image data output in the photographingstep and transferring the image data to the graphic memory; a storageinstruction receiving step of receiving a storage instruction to storethe image data into the storage medium; a judging step of judgingwhether the transfer of the image data to the graphic memory has beencompleted; and a storing step of, when the transfer has been completed,reading the image data from the graphic memory according to the storageinstruction, and storing the read image data into the storage medium.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a mobile telephoneincluding a photographed image display device. The photographed imagedisplay device includes: an LCD module including a graphic memoryoperable to store image data and an LCD operable to display an imagebased on the image data stored in the graphic memory; a camera operableto form an optical image of an object, convert the formed optical imageinto image data, and output the image data sequentially; a transfer unitoperable to receive the image data output from the camera and transferthe image data to the graphic memory; a storage medium operable to storeimage data; a storage instruction receiving unit operable to receive astorage instruction to store the image data into the storage medium; ajudging unit operable to judge whether the transfer of the image datafrom the transfer unit to the graphic memory has been completed; and astoring unit operable to, when the transfer has been completed, read theimage data from the graphic memory according to the storage instruction,and store the read image data into the storage medium.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a photographed imagedisplay program used for a photographed image display device including(i) an LCD module having a graphic memory for storing image data and anLCD for displaying an image based on the image data stored in thegraphic memory and (ii) a storage medium for storing image data. Thephotographed image display program includes: a photographing step offorming an optical image of an object, converting the formed opticalimage into image data, and outputting the image data sequentially; atransfer step of receiving the image data output in the photographingstep and transferring the image data to the graphic memory; a storageinstruction receiving step of receiving a storage instruction to storethe image data into the storage medium; a judging step of judgingwhether the transfer of the image data to the graphic memory has beencompleted; and a storing step of, when the transfer has been completed,reading the image data from the graphic memory according to the storageinstruction, and storing the read image data into the storage medium.

In this way, the image data obtained by photographing the object (i.e.photographed image data) is retrieved directly from the graphic memoryin the LCD module in response to a storage instruction from a user, tobe stored in the storing medium. Therefore, the photographed image datacan be stored in the storing medium, without using a buffer memory suchas a frame memory for storing photographed image data. As a result, thephotographed image display device can have a simpler construction thanin the related art.

Here, the above object is also achieved by a photographed image displaydevice including: a first LCD module and a second LCD module which eachinclude a graphic memory operable to store image data and an LCDoperable to display an image based on the image data stored in thegraphic memory; a camera operable to form an optical image of an object,convert the formed optical image into image data, and output the imagedata sequentially; a first transfer unit operable to receive the imagedata output from the camera and transfer the image data to the graphicmemory in the first LCD module; a storage medium prestoring frame imagedata; a judging unit operable to judge whether the transfer of the imagedata from the first transfer unit to the graphic memory in the first LCDmodule has been completed; and a second transfer unit operable to, whenthe transfer has been completed, read the image data from the graphicmemory in the first LCD module, combine the read image data and theframe image data so as to generate composite image data, and transferthe composite image data to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a photographed imagedisplay method for a photographed image display device including (i) afirst LCD module and a second LCD module each including a graphic memoryfor temporarily storing image data and an LCD for displaying the imagedata, and (ii) a storage medium prestoring frame image data. Thephotographed image display method includes: a photographing step offorming an optical image of an object, converting the formed opticalimage into image data, and outputting the image data sequentially; afirst transfer step of receiving the image data output in thephotographing step and transferring the image data to the graphic memoryin the first LCD module; a judging step of judging whether the transferof the image data to the graphic memory in the first LCD module has beencompleted; and a second transfer step of, when the transfer has beencompleted, reading the image data from the graphic memory in the firstLCD module, combining the read image data and the frame image data so asto generate composite image data, and transferring the composite imagedata to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a mobile telephoneincluding a photographed image display device. The photographed imagedisplay device includes: a first LCD module and a second LCD modulewhich each include a graphic memory operable to store image data and anLCD operable to display an image based on the image data stored in thegraphic memory; a camera operable to form an optical image of an object,convert the formed optical image into image data, and output the imagedata sequentially; a first transfer unit operable to receive the imagedata output from the camera and transfer the image data to the graphicmemory in the first LCD module; a storage medium prestoring frame imagedata; a judging unit operable to judge whether the transfer of the imagedata from the first transfer unit to the graphic memory in the first LCDmodule has been completed; and a second transfer unit operable to, whenthe transfer has been completed, read the image data from the graphicmemory in the first LCD module, combine the read image data and theframe image data so as to generate composite image data, and transferthe composite image data to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a photographed imagedisplay program used for a photographed image display device including(i) a first LCD module and a second LCD module each having a graphicmemory for temporarily storing image data and an LCD for displaying theimage data, and (ii) a storage medium prestoring frame image data. Thephotographed image display program includes: a photographing step offorming an optical image of an object, converting the formed opticalimage into image data, and outputting the image data sequentially; afirst transfer step of receiving the image data output in thephotographing step and transferring the image data to the graphic memoryin the first LCD module; a judging step of judging whether the transferof the image data to the graphic memory in the first LCD module has beencompleted; and a second transfer step of, when the transfer has beencompleted, reading the image data from the graphic memory in the firstLCD module, combining the read image data and the frame image data so asto generate composite image data, and transferring the composite imagedata to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.

In this way, the image data obtained by photographing the object (i.e.photographed image data) can be retrieved from the graphic memory in thefirst LCD module. The composite image data is generated by combining theretrieved image data and the frame image data stored in the storagemedium. The composite image data is transferred to the graphic memory inthe second LCD module, so as to be displayed on the LCD in the secondLCD module. As a consequence, a composite image for the photographedobject can be displayed on the LCD without using a buffer memory.

Here, the above object can be also achieved by a photographed imagedisplay device including: a first LCD module and a second LCD modulewhich each include a graphic memory operable to store image data and anLCD operable to display an image based on the image data stored in thegraphic memory; a camera operable to form an optical image of an object,convert the formed optical image into image data, and output the imagedata sequentially; a first transfer unit operable to receive the imagedata output from the camera and transfer the image data to the graphicmemory in the first LCD module; a storage medium prestoring frame imagedata; a judging unit operable to judge whether the transfer of the imagedata from the first transfer unit to the graphic memory in the first LCDmodule has been completed; second transfer unit operable to, when thetransfer has been completed, read the image data from the graphic memoryin the first LCD module, combine the read image data and the frame imagedata so as to generate composite image data, and transfer the compositeimage data to the graphic memory in the second LCD module; a storageinstruction receiving unit operable to receive a storage instruction tostore the composite image data into the storage medium; and a storingunit operable to store the composite image data into the storage mediumaccording to the storage instruction.

In this way, a composite image for the photographed object can bestored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a construction of aphotographed image display device 200 relating to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a photographing operation performedby an ASIC 270 (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a photographed image data storageoperation performed by a CPU 240 (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a construction of aphotographed image display device 300 relating to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates, as an example, photographed image data on which anoverwriting operation is to be performed and composite image dataobtained as a result of the overwriting operation.

FIG. 6 illustrates, as an example, images shown by frame image data.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a composite image display operationperformed by a CPU 340 (shown in FIG. 4).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the composite image displayoperation performed by the CPU 340, when a composite image storageoperation is included.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exampleconstruction of a conventional photographed image display device 100.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating, as an example, amobile telephone including the photographed image display device 300relating to the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

According to a first embodiment, a photographed image display deviceincludes: an LCD module including a graphic memory operable to storeimage data and an LCD operable to display an image based on the imagedata stored in the graphic memory; a camera operable to form an opticalimage of an object, convert the formed optical image into image data,and output the image data sequentially; and a storage medium operable tostore image data. The image data sequentially output from the camera istransferred to the graphic memory. When receiving a storage instructionto store the image data into the storage medium, the photographed imagedisplay device judges whether the transfer of the image data to thegraphic memory has been completed. When the transfer has been completed,the photographed image display device reads the image data from thegraphic memory, and stores the read image data into the storage medium.

(Construction)

FIG. 1 illustrates a construction of a photographed image display device200 relating to the first embodiment. The photographed image displaydevice 200 is constituted by a camera unit 210, an LCD module 230, a CPU240, an operation unit 250, a storage unit 260, and an ASIC 270.

The camera unit 210 includes a camera such as a CCD camera and acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. The camera unit210 cyclically repeats the following operations (1) to (4).

-   -   (1) Photograph an object    -   (2) Output photographed image data to the ASIC 270 sequentially    -   (3) At the start of outputting photographed image data to the        ASIC 270, issue an output start signal to the ASIC 270 to inform        the start of the outputting    -   (4) At the end of outputting the photographed image data, issue        an output end signal to the ASIC 270

The LCD module 230 includes a GRAM 231 and an LCD 232. The LCD module230 displays a photographed image on the LCD 232 based on photographedimage data transferred from the ASIC 270.

The GRAM 231 temporarily stores photographed image data that istransferred from the ASIC 270. When the GRAM 231 receives newphotographed image data from the ASIC 270, photographed image data thathas been stored in the GRAM 231 is overwritten with the new photographedimage data.

The LCD 232 displays a photographed image based on photographed imagedata stored in the GRAM 231.

The CPU 240 receives a user's instruction through the operation unit250. Furthermore, the CPU 240 issues an instruction corresponding to thereceived user's instruction to an appropriate component of thephotographed image display device 200, or executes an operationcorresponding to the received user's instruction. For example, whenreceiving a photographing operation executing instruction from a user,the CPU 240 instructs the ASIC 270 to perform a photographing operation.When receiving a photographing operation end instruction, the CPU 240instructs the ASIC 270 to end the photographing operation. Whenreceiving a photographed image storage instruction, the CPU 240 performsa photographed image data storage operation. In detail, when transfer ofphotographed image data from the ASIC 270 to the GRAM 231 is completed,the CPU 240 reads the photographed image data from the GRAM 231, andstores the photographed image data in the storage unit 260.

The CPU 240 judges whether the transfer of the photographed image datafrom the ASIC 270 to the GRAM 231 has been completed or not, withreference to a value of a flag shown by the ASIC 270. Specificallyspeaking, when the value of the flag is set to one, the CPU 240 judgesthat the transfer is occurring. When the value of the flag is set tozero, the CPU 240 judges that the transfer has been completed.

The photographing operation executing instruction is a user'sinstruction to display a photographed image on the LCD module 230 basedon photographed image data obtained by the camera unit 210.

The photographed image storage instruction is a user's instruction tostore photographed image data obtained using the camera unit 210, in thestorage unit 260.

The photographing operation end instruction is a user's instruction toend the photographing operation. Here, the photographing operationindicates that a photographed image is displayed on the LCD module 230based on photographed image data obtained by the camera unit 210.

The operation unit 250 has a key input unit (not illustrated) forreceiving a user's instruction. The operation unit 250 generates aninstruction signal corresponding to a key input, and outputs thegenerated instruction signal to the CPU 240.

The storage unit 260 stores photographed image data input by the CPU240.

The ASIC 270 is an integrated circuit (IC) specifically designed to beused for the photographing operation. The ASIC 270 is, for example,constituted by a processor, a memory, an input/output circuit, aninterface circuit, a communication circuit and the like.

The ASIC 270 controls the photographing operation. In detail, when theCPU 240 instructs the ASIC 270 to execute the photographing operation,the ASIC 270 receives photographed image data that is output from thecamera unit 210, and transfers the photographed image data to the LCDmodule 230. When the CPU 240 instructs the ASIC 270 to end thephotographing operation, the ASIC 270 ends the photographing operation.

Regarding the photographing operation, the ASIC 270 sets the value ofthe flag to one on reception of the output start signal from the cameraunit 210. The flag indicates whether transfer of photographed image datafrom the ASIC 270 to the GRAM 231 is occurring. On reception of theoutput end signal from the camera unit 210, the ASIC 270 sets the valueof the flag to zero. The value of the flag is stored in a register,which is readable from the CPU 240.

(Operation)

The following part describes the photographing operation performed bythe ASIC 270, with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 2.

When receiving the photographing operation executing instruction fromthe CPU 240 (step S1001:Y), the ASIC 270 judges whether the camera unit210 inputs the output start signal (step S1002).

If judged in the affirmative (step S1002:Y), the ASIC 270 sets the valueof the flag to one (step S1003), and receives photographed image datafrom the camera unit 210 (step S1004). Then, the ASIC 270 transfers thephotographed image data to the GRAM 231 in the LCD module 230 (stepS1005), and judges whether the camera unit 210 inputs the output endsignal (step S1006).

If judged in the affirmative (step S1006:Y), the ASIC 270 sets the valueof the flag to zero (step S1007). The LCD 232 displays a photographedimage based on the photographed image data stored in the GRAM 231 (stepS1008).

If judged in the negative (step S1006:N), the ASIC 270 repeats theprocedure of the steps S1004 to S1006.

When receiving the photographing operation end instruction from the CPU240 in a step S1009 (step S1009:Y), the ASIC 270 ends the photographingoperation. If not (step S1009:N), the ASIC 270 repeats the procedure ofthe steps S1002 to S1009.

The following part describes the photographed image data storageoperation performed by the CPU 240 with reference to FIG. 3, which is aflow chart illustrating the photographed image data storage operation.

When receiving the photographed image storage instruction from the userthrough the operation unit 250 during the above-described photographingoperation (the steps S1002 to S1008 in FIG. 2) (step S1101:Y), the CPU240 reads the value of the flag shown by the ASIC 270. The CPU 240 thenjudges whether transfer of photographed image data from the ASIC 270 tothe GRAM 231 in the LCD module 230 is occurring (step S1102).

If judged in the negative (step S1102:N), the CPU 240 reads photographedimage data from the GRAM 231 (step S1103), and stores the photographedimage data in the storage unit 260 (step S1104).

If judged in the affirmative (step 1102:Y), the CPU 240 waits until thetransfer is completed (steps S1106 and S1107). When the transfer iscompleted, in other words, the value of the flag shown by the ASIC 270is set to zero (step S1107:Y), the CPU 240 executes the procedure of thesteps S1103 and S1104.

Second Embodiment

(Construction)

FIG. 4 illustrates a construction of a photographed image display device300 relating to a second embodiment. The photographed image displaydevice 300 is constituted by the camera unit 210, the LCD module 230, anLCD module 330, a CPU 340, the operation unit 250, a storage unit 360,and the ASIC 270.

The same reference numerals are applied to the components common to thephotographed image display device 200 relating to the first embodimentshown in FIG. 1 and the photographed image display device 300. Thefollowing part describes the photographed image display device 300 withfocus on its difference from the photographed image display device 200.

The LCD module 330 includes a GRAM 331 and an LCD 332. A composite imageis displayed on the LCD 332 based on composite image data stored in theGRAM 331.

Here, “composite image data” is generated in the following manner. TheCPU 340 reads and combines photographed image data stored in the GRAM231 and frame image data stored in the storage unit 360.

In detail, after storing the photographed image data into the GRAM 331,the CPU 340 partly overwrites a memory area of the GRAM 331 which isoccupied by the photographed image data, with the frame image data.

The GRAM 331 temporarily stores the composite image data.

FIG. 5A illustrates, as an example, a photographed image that isdisplayed based on the photographed image data on which the overwritingoperation is to be performed. FIG. 5B illustrates, as an example, acomposite image that is displayed based on the composite image dataobtained as a result of the overwriting operation.

Here, the frame image data is template image data showing templateimages of picture frames shaped as, for example, a heart or a star. Theframe image data is prestored in the storage unit 360. FIGS. 6A to 6Ceach illustrate, as an example, an image that is displayed based on theframe image data.

If new composite image data is input into the GRAM 331 by the CPU 340,composite image data that has been stored in the GRAM 331 is overwrittenwith the new composite image data.

The LCD 332 displays a composite image based on the composite image datastored in the GRAM 331.

The CPU 340 has an ability to execute a composite image displayoperation, in addition to the functions of the CPU 240.

This operation is specifically described in the following. The CPU 340receives a composite image display instruction from a user through theoperation unit 250. In response to the instruction, when transfer ofphotographed image data from the ASIC 270 to the GRAM 231 has beencompleted, the CPU 340 reads the photographed image data from the GRAM231. Furthermore, the CPU 340 reads the frame image data that isprestored in the storage unit 360, and combines the photographed imagedata and the frame image data, to generate composite image data. The CPU340 stores the composite image data in the GRAM 331.

The composite image display instruction is a user's instruction todisplay a composite image (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5B) based on aphotographed image.

In addition, the CPU 340 ends the composite image display operation,when receiving a composite image display operation end instruction fromthe user through the operation unit 250.

Here, the composite image display operation end instruction is a user'sinstruction to end the composite image display operation.

When inputting the composite image display instruction, the user mayspecify desired frame image data by designating an identifier. In thiscase, the CPU 340 reads frame image data corresponding to the identifierdesignated by the user (for example, frame image data showing a pictureframe image in FIG. 6A), from the storage unit 360, to perform thecomposite image display operation.

The storage unit 360 prestores one or more pieces of frame image dataeach of which is associated with an identifier.

(Operation)

The photographing operation performed by the ASIC 270 is described inthe first embodiment, and therefore not repeatedly explained here.

The following part describes the composite image display operationperformed by the CPU 340 in detail, with reference to a flow chart shownin FIG. 7.

When receiving the composite image display instruction from the userthrough the operation unit 250 during the photographing operation (stepS1201:Y), the CPU 340 reads the value of the flag shown by the ASIC 270.Thus, the CPU 340 judges whether transfer of photographed image datafrom the ASIC 270 to the GRAM 231 in the LCD module 230 is occurring(step S1202).

If judged in the negative (step S1202:N), the CPU 340 reads photographedimage data from the GRAM 231 (step S1203), and the frame image dataprestored in the storage unit 360 (step S1204). Furthermore, the CPU 340combines the photographed image data and the frame image data, togenerate composite image data (step S1205). The CPU 340 then stores thecomposite image data in the GRAM 331 in the LCD module 330 (step S1206).If the composite image data has been stored in the GRAM 331, the LCD 332displays a composite image based on the composite image data stored inthe GRAM 331 (step S1207).

If judged in the affirmative in the step S1202 (step S1202:Y), the CPU340 waits until the transfer is completed (steps S1209 and S1210). Whenthe transfer is completed, that is to say, the value of the flag shownby the ASIC 270 is set to zero (step S1210:Y), the CPU 340 performs theprocedure of the steps S1203 to S1207.

If the CPU 340 receives the composite image display operation endinstruction from the user through the operation unit 250 (step S1208:Y),the CPU 340 ends the composite image display operation. If not (stepS1208:N), the procedure of the composite image display operation goesback to the step S1202.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to thefirst and second embodiments described above.

For instance, the photographed image display devices 200 and 300respectively relating to the first and second embodiments of the presentinvention may be mounted with mobile telephones, digital cameras,camcorders, mobile communications terminals such as PDAs, and otherelectronic devices.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a mobile telephonewhich is mounted with the photographed image display device 300 relatingto the second embodiment. The mobile telephone shown in FIG. 10 can bemodified. For example, the CPU 340 and the storage unit 360 may bereplaced with the CPU 240 and the storage unit 260 respectively, and theLCD module 330 may be excluded.

The mobile telephone shown in FIG. 10 is constituted by an antenna 1, atransmission/reception unit 2, a memory 3, a modulating/demodulatingunit 4, a voice processing unit 5, a microphone 6, a receiver 7, acontrol unit 8, and the photographed image display device 300. Theantenna 1 transmits and receives radio waves for communication. Thetransmission/reception unit 2 transmits and receives data communicatedvia radio waves. The memory 3 includes the storage unit 360. Themodulating/demodulating unit 4 modulates and demodulates communicationdata. The voice processing unit 5 digital-to-analog convertscommunication data output from the modulating/demodulating unit 4 togenerate sound signals, and outputs the sound signals to the receiver 7.The voice processing unit 5 also converts sounds output from themicrophone 6 into sound signals, and outputs the sound signals to themodulating/demodulating unit 4 as communication data to be transmitted.The control unit 8 includes a microprocessor, a Read Only Memory (ROM)and the like. The control unit 8 executes a control program stored inthe ROM, to control the entire mobile telephone.

According to the second embodiment, the composite image data isdisplayed on the LCD 332. In addition, when receiving a composite imagestorage instruction to store the composite image data from the userthrough the operation unit 250, the CPU 340 may store the compositeimage data in the storage unit 360. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustratingthe composite image display operation including the above-mentionedcomposite image storage operation performed by the CPU 340.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, when receiving the compositeimage storage instruction from the user through the operation unit 250(step S1211:Y), the CPU 340 reads composite image data from the GRAM331, and stores the composite image data into the storage unit 360 (stepS1212). The rest of the steps of the flowchart in FIG. 8 are the same asthe corresponding steps of the flow chart in FIG. 7, and therefore notrepeatedly explained here.

Regarding the second embodiment, while the composite image data isdisplayed on the LCD 332, the CPU 340 may prohibit display ofphotographed image data on the LCD 232. Specifically speaking, whenreceiving the composite image display instruction in the step S1201 inFIG. 7 or 8 (step S1201:Y), the CPU 340 may turn the LCD 232 off. Inthis case, when receiving the composite image display operation endinstruction in the step S1208 (step S1208:Y), the CPU 340 may turn theLCD 232 back on.

This construction can save power consumption of the photographed imagedisplay device 300.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A photographed image display device and a photographed image displaymethod according to the present invention can contribute to miniaturizea mobile communications terminal with a photographing function and toreduce a manufacturing cost of such a terminal.

1. (canceled)
 2. A photographed image display device comprising: a firstLCD module and a second LCD module which each include a graphic memoryoperable to store image data and an LCD operable to display an imagebased on the image data stored in the graphic memory; a photographingunit operable to form an optical image of an object, convert the formedoptical image into image data, and output the image data sequentially; afirst transfer unit operable to receive the image data output from thephotographing unit and transfer the image data to the graphic memory inthe first LCD module; a storage medium prestoring frame image data; ajudging unit operable to judge whether the transfer of the image datafrom the first transfer unit to the graphic memory in the first LCDmodule has been completed; and a second transfer unit operable to, whenthe transfer has been completed, read the image data from the graphicmemory in the first LCD module, combine the read image data and theframe image data so as to generate composite image data, and transferthe composite image data to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.3. The photographed image display device of claim 2, further comprising:a storage instruction receiving unit operable to receive a storageinstruction to store the composite image data into the storage medium;and a storing unit operable to store the composite image data into thestorage medium according to the storage instruction.
 4. (canceled)
 5. Aphotographed image display method for a photographed image displaydevice including (i) a first LCD module and a second LCD module eachincluding a graphic memory for temporarily storing image data and an LCDfor displaying the image data, and (ii) a storage medium prestoringframe image data, the photographed image display method comprising: aphotographing step of forming an optical image of an object, convertingthe formed optical image into image data, and outputting the image datasequentially; a first transfer step of receiving the image data outputin the photographing step and transferring the image data to the graphicmemory in the first LCD module; a judging step of judging whether thetransfer of the image data to the graphic memory in the first LCD modulehas been completed; and a second transfer step of, when the transfer hasbeen completed, reading the image data from the graphic memory in thefirst LCD module, combining the read image data and the frame image dataso as to generate composite image data, and transferring the compositeimage data to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.
 6. (canceled)7. A mobile telephone including a photographed image display device, thephotographed image display device comprising: a first LCD module and asecond LCD module which each include a graphic memory operable to storeimage data and an LCD operable to display an image based on the imagedata stored in the graphic memory; a photographing unit operable to forman optical image of an object, convert the formed optical image intoimage data, and output the image data sequentially; a first transferunit operable to receive the image data output from the photographingunit and transfer the image data to the graphic memory in the first LCDmodule; a storage medium prestoring frame image data; a judging unitoperable to judge whether the transfer of the image data from the firsttransfer unit to the graphic memory in the first LCD module has beencompleted; and a second transfer unit operable to, when the transfer hasbeen completed, read the image data from the graphic memory in the firstLCD module, combine the read image data and the frame image data so asto generate composite image data, and transfer the composite image datato the graphic memory in the second LCD module.
 8. (canceled)
 9. Aphotographed image display program used for a photographed image displaydevice including (i) a first LCD module and a second LCD module eachhaving a graphic memory for temporarily storing image data and an LCDfor displaying the image data, and (ii) a storage medium prestoringframe image data, the photographed image display program comprising: aphotographing step of forming an optical image of an object, convertingthe formed optical image into image data, and outputting the image datasequentially; a first transfer step of receiving the image data outputin the photographing step and transferring the image data to the graphicmemory in the first LCD module; a judging step of judging whether thetransfer of the image data to the graphic memory in the first LCD modulehas been completed; and a second transfer step of, when the transfer hasbeen completed, reading the image data from the graphic memory in thefirst LCD module, combining the read image data and the frame image dataso as to generate composite image data, and transferring the compositeimage data to the graphic memory in the second LCD module.
 10. In amobile telephone for receiving and transmitting audio and image data,the improvement comprising: a camera unit operable to form an opticalimage of an object, convert the optical image into image data and outputthe image data; a first storage assembly including a storage unit forstoring multiple image data and a pair of graphic memories each capableof storing single image data; a pair of LCD members each capable ofdisplaying image data from one of the graphic memories; and a controlunit for receiving an input instruction from a user to enable the cameraunit to execute the formation and outputting of the image data toinitially one of the graphic memories and subsequently for storage inthe storage unit and to enable one of the LCD members to display imagedata from either one of the graphics memories or a combination of imagedata from the pair of graphic memories.